The Warriors finished with a 121-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday. Stephen Curry (38 points) scored prolifically while staying efficient from the field (11-of-16), from 3 (8-of-12) and from the free-throw line (8-of-9). Kevin Durant shifted from facilitator back to scorer (23 points) and Draymond Green offered a mix of scoring (17 points), playmaking (seven assists) and defensive intensity on the glass (seven rebounds).
Golden State showed its bench weaknesses by allowing the Clippers to open the second quarter with a 13-2 run. In what may be the lone factor that keeps this series competitive, the Clippers’ bench outscored the Warriors’ reserves, 65-22.